Saab 96 V4

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Sweden has a lot to answer for: the Vikings, Abba, Ikea. But on the plus side, they also produced the Saab 96. Stylish, idiosyncratic and surprisingly sporty, the 96 was beloved by architects and rally drivers throughout its 20-year production run and still has a huge following today.

The first Saab officially imported to the UK, it was initially powered by a 40bhp 841cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine mounted longitudinally ahead of the front axle, this being replaced by a 65bhp 1.5-litre Ford Taunus four-stroke V4 from 1967 onwards.

For competition use, tuned two-stroke engines were slotted into the Sport and Monte Carlo models and it was in motorsport that the 96 really excelled, winning the RAC Rally three times on the trot from 1960 to 1962 and winning the Monte Carlo Rally in 1962 and 1963. In fact the 96 proved so successful that it remained in production right up until 1980 when it was finally killed off by the new Saab 900.

First registered in November 1973, this 96 V4 has been in the current ownership since 2015 and has covered around 115,000 miles. The vendor states that: “It is in generally very good condition. It had a recent light engine overhaul including piston rings and gasket set. The seats have been retrimmed to a high standard. Many new parts have been fitted in the last 4 years including a new Weber carburettor, electronic ignition, brake hoses, coolant hoses, a new set of tyres and much more. The paintwork is not concours but is very presentable. It has always proved very reliable and drove the 53 mile journey to the sale with ease”. A useful quantity of spares are also included.